标题：8 of the Best Secrets to Self-Improvement
source：inc丨by JOHN RAMPTON
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It"s one thing to complain, whine, and vent at our frustrations in life. But does that really get you anywhere? No matter how much you complain, nothing will change if you don"t take the wheel and actually do something to make your situation fulfilling.
That may sound challenging, but if you follow these eight pieces of advice every day, you"ll be well on your way to self-improvement.
1. Start Your Day Off Right
One of the best ways to kick off your day is by waking up earlier. By doing so, you"ll be able to be more productive throughout the day because it gives you a chance to eat a healthy breakfast, exercise, relax, plan your day or catch-up on emails. All of these components not only make you more productive, it will also assist you in concentration, handling problems, enduring physical activities, making you more optimistic, and improve your overall health.
2. Be Kind and Generous
Whether it"s helping an employee on a project, holding the door for an elderly neighbor, or volunteering or donating to a non-profit, being generous is a rewarding experience that can help make you a better individual.
Even showing your kindness and generosity by doing something as simple as smiling can improve your mood, reduce stress, make your more approachable, and put others around you in a better mood.
3. Accept Who You Are
Most guys would love to be Tom Brady. After all, he has a couple of Super Bowl rings and is married to a supermodel. The thing is, we"re not Tom Brady. Instead of trying to be someone you are not, focus on accepting who you are. While Tom Brady may seemingly have it all, there are skills, knowledge, and talents you possess that he never will.
4. Learn Something New
Whether it"s learning a new language, how to code, preparing Thanksgiving dinner, or playing a new sport, learning a new skill or talent is one of the most effective ways to improve yourself. It not only opens your mind, it makes you more well-rounded, increases your memory, and helps you get out of that dreaded comfort-zone. And, with podcasts, instructional apps, and free education classes, learning something new has never been more convenient.
5. Be Afraid
We"re all afraid of something. It could be being terrified of public speaking, experiencing startup failure, or screaming every time you come across a spider. Fear, however, can prevent you from growing and bettering yourself. Addressing your fear and facing it head-on is one the most powerful ways that you can improve your life because it can keep you from fulfilling your dreams.
6. Replace Bad Habits
We also have bad habits – like smoking, eating fast food, oversleeping, or always getting trapped in toxic relationships – and quitting them can be a challenge. Continuing these bad habits though won"t assist you in self-improvement because most of the time they hold you back from doing the things that you always wanted to – try hiking if you"re a smoker – and can be detrimental to your health.
Instead of filling your life up with these bad habits, replace them with new and positive habits – such as going to the gym or trying out new restaurants. Not only will you be healthier and happier, you will get a chance to enjoy the life experiences you"ve been missing out on.
7. Believe in Yourself
This isn"t as hokey as you may think. Believing in yourself really starts with setting achievable and attainable. While we all would love to be the next Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey, the chances are that you will never reach that goal. And when that happens, we give up and stay in the same place that we are. But when you believe in yourself, you"re increasing the chances of making yourself happier and more content.
To set realistic goals, write down the things that you want to change. Make sure that it"s positive and as specific as possible. For example, instead of saying that you want to be less stressed at work, your goal could be to walk 15 minutes at lunch.
8. Take a Break
How do you expect to be successful, productive, and happy in life if you"re always running on empty? You need to give yourself a break occasionally to enjoy your life. It could be taking the kids to the beach, going out to dinner with friends, or traveling to a new and exciting part of the world. Whatever you decide, getting away from the daily grind gives you the opportunity to recharge the batteries and discover new interests.
